Omega 3 Supplements may be helpful for some health conditions but this review was unable to show benefit in decreasing atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries associated with heart attacks. They did improve risk factors, but risk factors like triglycerides and cholesterol are not the disease itself.
It is not commonly understood that all omega 3 and omega 6 fats come from plants. Animals, fish, and birds do not make them but they do eat those that come from plant sources and then build on them. Humans, as animals, also make these “essential fatty acids.” All these sensient creatures take the essential plant fats and make special longer fats of varying use such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and others which the body uses as locally active messengers. When we ingest large amounts of the plant fats or the specialized longer fats problems tend to develop. For example, Arachidonic Acid is longer fat found in high quantities in chicken and beef tends to increase inflammation and interferes with the human body’s specializing process for the plant omega 3 fats. Excessive Omega 3 fats can cause people to bleed more easily.
It is best to get our essential fats from food sources. Plant sources are generally best although one or two grams of Omega 3 fish oil a day may be helpful for those on a diet high in red meat or transitioning to a 100% plant based diet. We need more scientific evidence to make more definite recommendations.
Here is the original article if you are interested.
